CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) — With shoppers about to hit the malls for Black Friday, local law enforcement is warning that crooks will be there, too.<\/p>\n
“During the holidays, be aware of your surroundings,” Clovis Police Sgt. Abby Padgett told Action News.<\/p>\n
She says shoppers can take easy steps to protect themselves. It starts before even entering the store.<\/p>\n
“Make sure that you don’t leave anything visible,” she said. “I do suggest parking as close to the front as you can or in lighted areas.”<\/p>\n
Once inside, Sgt. Padgett says to remain vigilant.<\/p>\n
“I would keep your bag close,” she said. “Keep it zipped. Don’t put it inside a shopping cart and leave it while you’re browsing the aisles.”<\/p>\n
Amazon also issued a warning this week for online shoppers.<\/p>\n
The company is telling its customers that scammers are trying to access sensitive account details, sometimes including their personal and financial information.<\/p>\n
Amazon says criminals often try to impersonate the company.<\/p>\n
“You want to make sure that you are going to the actual merchant website that’s usually indicated by a little padlock on the side, or it says, ‘verified information,'” Sgt. Padgett said.<\/p>\n
Experts say credit cards offer an extra layer of protection over debit cards.<\/p>\n
“That way, if there is something that gets compromised, it doesn’t tie up your entire checking account, and it’s easier for a financial institution to help get your money back,” Sgt. Padgett said.<\/p>\n
Package theft is also on the rise this season. One in four Americans has had a package stolen.<\/p>\n
Prosecutors in New York say brazen “porch pirates” there are known to follow delivery trucks.<\/p>\n
“Schedule deliveries for a time that you’re going to be home,” Sgt. Padgett said. “Give specific instructions. If it’s an expensive package, it’s a good idea to make sure that you require a signature.”<\/p>\n
For Valley residents shopping in person at River Park or Fashion Fair, there will be increased security.<\/p>\n
Action News has learned that officers from several agencies will patrol the malls in uniform and while undercover.<\/p>\n
For news updates, follow Gabe Ferris on Facebook<\/a>, X<\/a> and Instagram.<\/a><\/p>\n Copyright \u00a9 2025 KFSN-TV. All Rights Reserved.<\/p>\n